sono***un, I'm not really sure about a replacement. I've been shopping online to get some ideas what's out there. This is the first time in a long time I don't know what we want.

Dave

My folks just got a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 4.7L. So far they love it. I believe they got the TC that's AWD, but it does lock into 4LO. There may be configuration options that allow to lock into 4WD, but I'm not sure. It's got a pretty good tow rating, but the shorter wheelbase may make long tows interesting.

I recently bought a Lexus GX470 and so far I love it. As far as the 4WD / AWD system goes, the truck is full-time AWD. It also has a button to lock up the center differential to give you 4WD, as well as a shifter for low range.
I have yet to tow anything with it, and may never do so, but it's rated for more than 5K. If I ever do tow anything, it will either be a jet ski or a small center console twice a year, so it will be fine.
Gas mileage seems to be pretty good, but keep in mind my last 2 trucks were a gas Excursion and an Expedition. I think the Lexus is averaging around 16, and it gets driven around town a lot by my wife.

my wife has a kia sonrto and we love it it rides a little stiff . but has a 2 speed TC and a elec locking rear diff ..

If the vehicle is front wheel drive based like a escape then you will get the front pull

you can get some killer deals on a Ford 500 awd right now, they drive great in the snow 07 escapes have 3500 in rebates and 1000 in dealer cash, because of a 08 modle change

27k escape for 21137 +ttl :)

invoice below

There are to many different AWD systems out there to say that awd is or isn't any good. I myself wouldn't buy anything that didn't have the option of locking it in 4x4. The quadradrive on the new Grand cherokees is very impreesive in the snow and offroad.
I have 2 vehicles with all wheel drive, a Navigator and a 96 grand Cherokee. They both react completely differently. The Navi is rear wheel drive and if there is slip an electronic clutch sends power to the front. The GC has a viscous coupling that sends around 30% power to the front but if the rear slips it will send more. Both are good on the road but offroad or in Deep snow, they do better in real 4WD.